Opinion: Ghanaians view on referee's performance in Madrid's controversial win over United

Published on: 06 March 2013

By Ameenu Shardow

Several Ghanaian football fans took to social networking sites to vent their fury over the poor performance of Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir in Real Madrid’s controversial win over Manchester United on Tuesday.

The English giants were in firm control of the Uefa Champions League tie on the away goal rule haven secured a vital 1-1 draw in the first leg match three weeks ago at the Santiago Bernabeu.

United had taken a vital lead early in the second half through an own goal by Sergio Ramos and were on the path of progression with a 2-1 aggregate lead.

All their efforts then were however undone by a shocking decision by referee Cakir to send off winger Nani with a straight red card for a totally innocent challenge in the 56th minute.

The Portuguese star in the process of bringing the ball down in mid-air, unknowingly lunged into the on-rushing Alvaro Arbeloa.

A yellow card at worst was expected but the 36-year-old insurance agent rather flashed a straight red to mar what would have been a beautiful European night at Old Trafford.

The 10-man Manchester United could no longer hold on and conceded the equalizer through a sublime 66th minute striker by substitute Luka Modric and fell behind three minutes later to a Cristiano Ronaldo goal.

United’s European dream had been ended by the massive effect of the sending off and fans had their say.

“Whaaaaaat! A very stupid decision. This referee is a f*****g joke!!!,” Manchester United fan Tamimu Issah posted on his Facebook page.

“We too we will steal sum...hehehehe...we we take the refree go the course,” a presumed Real Madrid fan Nii Adotey Addo also posted.

“What the heck????? Disgraceful decision,” Nathan Quao Tweeted.

“The ref is mad. For what? Attention seeking idiot. If I met this ref in Accra I promise him beatings. Ahh,” Godfred Akoto Tweeted.

“Daylight robbery, De whole world saw it,” Razak Andani posted.

Others around the world also had their say:”The refs decision changed the game. It wasn’t even hard. It was WRONG. I am sure you will be quick with examples benefitting United,” Janusz Michallik Tweeted.

"That can't be red I think the ref got it wrong there,even though am happy for my team.that's not how to get a result," Idah Peterside Tweeted.

"Anyway it won't be the first time or last! Just ruined a fascinating match and didn't feel right to Utd or Madrid people in the stadium!" Tweeted Gary Neville.

What is your take? Was Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir right to send Nani off?

Was the effect of Nani’s sending off telling on the result? What should be done to the referee if you believe he made a big mistake as many suggest.

Make your thoughts known on this issue by commenting in the box below…

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